John Askey says hard work and fitness is going to be crucial to the way he wants his team to play.

Askey's squad are training at Vale Park this week as they look forward to kicking off their pre-season fixtures at Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday (3pm).

Askey will demand his team get the ball down and play, but wants to see more of the high-tempo, pressing football he started to introduce after taking charge in February.

He's looking to make the most of his first pre-season at the club to get his ideas across - and says fitness is crucial.

He said: "The very least you expect from players is to be fit. If you are fit and strong it gives you a chance, especially at this level. You don't have to have a great amount of ability - as I know! - to compete.

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"It has to be a gradual process," he explained. "If you go hell for leather in the first week then you always run the risk of getting injuries. So, we will gradually increase the training as we go on."

Vale are also set to return to St George's Park at some stage having spent their first day of pre-season training there, on Friday.

Askey and his staff used the facilities at the national football centre to test the players' strength and endurance.

He said: "That's the idea of going there, any weaknesses they might have will be flagged up and then we can help them to improve and limit the chances of injuries."